Pakistani nationals in Iran urged to exercise caution and maintain regular contact with Pakistani missions
A supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran waves an Iranian flag as he takes part in a demonstration in support of the Iranian people’s uprising for democracy and freedom in Brussels January 9, 2026. On January 9, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that the Islamic Republic would “not back down” from protests after the largest-ever rallies during a nearly two-week movement sparked by anger at the rising cost of living. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory urging its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran, as protests continue to rock the Islamic Republic for the second week in a row.
The notice, issued on Saturday, comes as protests that began over economic reasons have turned violent, with more than 25 deaths.
“For their safety and security, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until conditions improve,” the statement said.
“Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran are advised to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, minimize non-essential travel and maintain regular contact with Pakistani missions.”
For Pakistanis living in Iran, these are the numbers to contact for up-to-date information.
Embassy of Pakistan in Iran
- Tehran
- +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91 (landline)
- +98-21-66-9448-88/90 (landline)
- +98 910 764 8298 (mobile)
- Zahidan
- +98 54 33 22 3389 (landline)
- +98 90 46 14 5412 (mobile)
- Mashhad:
- +98 910 762 5302
- +98 937 180 7175
Intensification of unrest
Iran plunged into a near-total internet blackout on Friday as authorities moved to quell the biggest wave of anti-government protests in more than a decade, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisting the Islamic Republic “will not back down.”
Crowds chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and burning official buildings marched in major cities on Thursday evening.
The protests began on December 28 with a strike by traders in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar against the collapse of the Iranian economy. Iran’s economy has experienced high inflation rates, a devalued currency and an energy deficit, culminating in repeated electricity and gas disruptions. The Iranian rial depreciated sharply, with the dollar reaching around 145,000 tomans.
Iran’s National Statistics Center reported an inflation rate of 42.2% in December 2025, an increase of 1.8% from November.
President Trump said Friday that the United States was “locked, loaded and ready,” warning that if Iran “violently kills protesters, as is their wont, the United States of America will come to their rescue.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also supported the protesters, telling ministers: “It is quite possible that we are at a moment where the Iranian people are taking their fate into their own hands.”
This rhetoric comes seven months after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, during which US forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
Iranian authorities have called the protests a foreign-orchestrated disorder. Khamenei called the protesters “vandals” and “saboteurs,” accusing the United States of inciting unrest.
Read: Iran entrenches itself as protests intensify across the country
The head of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, warned that the punishment of the “rioters” would be “decisive, maximum and without any legal leniency”.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council accused Israel of supporting the protests, saying the unrest that began with economic demands had transformed, under Israeli leadership, into an attempt to create disorder in the country.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks said authorities had imposed a total connectivity blackout, with the country offline for extended periods.
General Amir Hatami, commander of the Iranian army, warned that Tehran would respond vigorously to external threats, saying: “If the enemy makes a mistake, Iran’s response will be firmer than during the 12-day war with Israel last June.”
